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Bright Side by Kim Holden

Synopsis: Secrets.
Everyone has one.
Some are bigger than others.
And when secrets are revealed,
Some will heal you …
And some will end you.

Kate Sedgwick’s life has been anything but typical. She’s endured hardship and tragedy, but throughout it all she remains happy and optimistic (there’s a reason her best friend Gus calls her Bright Side). Kate is strong-willed, funny, smart, and musically gifted. She’s also never believed in love. So when Kate leaves San Diego to attend college in the small town of Grant, Minnesota, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with Keller Banks.

They both feel it. But they each have a reason to fight it. They each have a secret.
And when secrets are revealed, Some will heal you … And some will end you.

First off, let me say that I really like this cover. It’s simple and classy. This was a book recommended to me by some friends, which means I can use it as a challenge book. Yeah for two birds with one stone! The book started out slow, very slow and to be honest with you I almost didn’t finish it. It took about halfway before anything really happened. Then, I was blindsided by Keller feelings because they seemed to grow fast throwing me for a loop because the pacing was so slow. I don’t know if I was in a bad mood when I read it but it rubbed me wrong.

Honestly, I found her character to be immature and lackadaisical. I didn’t have a bond with her at all. There was nothing for me to latch on to and identify with. I cared more about what happens to her friends and how her illness affected those around her, not her herself, but the ripples of what happens to her friends because of the illness.

Now, you are probably wondering why I rated it so high if all I have to say are things I didn’t like. Well, allow me to clarify, I’m still ambivalent towards the MC but I think that is what the author’s intention was. To not make the focus about her but how cancer affects those around her. And in that view, she nailed it. She nailed it so hard that I had to hash it out with my friends for a moment just to clear my head. I cried for a solid 30 minutes, on the BART train, in front of strangers. This author reached into my heart and gave it a purple nurple. I’m positive I have a book sized bruise there. And it won’t go away for a while. I’ve never read a book before where the mc had no impact on me and yet I find myself liking this book. It’s so weird.

There, you see redemption.

So, if you have the patience to see this one through, you will not be disappointed.

Favorite quote:

I’m not saying you shouldn’t pursue dreams and goals. Just don’t forsake the present for the unknowns of the future. A lot of happiness is bypassed, overlooked, postponed to a time years from now that may never come. Don’t bide your time and miss out on this moment for a tomorrow with no guarantee.